South Dakota Children's Task Force

The legislative action initiating the Children’s Mental Health Task Force is indicative of an evolving understanding among public policy makers that the current system is falling short in its ability to effectively meet the needs of children with serious emotional problems and their families. Too often these problems lead to the collapse of the family’s ability and capacity to care for their child. The call for a Task Force offered the State Department of Human Services the opportunity to increase community and consumer engagement. Implementing Task Force recommendations will significantly improve the system of care for families, children, and adolescents in South Dakota. Staff of the Division of Mental Health convened the Task Force and utilized the WICHE Mental Health Program to facilitate meetings and public comment, provide technical assistance, and obtain expert consultation. The Task Force generated seven recommendations providing direction to improve the mental health system in South Dakota.

Recommendations were generated at Task Force meetings facilitated by WICHE using a consensus-building method. Recommendations were based on public comment, responses to a survey, and input from experts in the field. Input included data on unmet need for services and presentations on: relinquishing custody; best practices for children and adolescents; and best practices for Native Americans.